The countdown to the primary election has now moved under a week. Candidates have been on the stump for months now doing their best to get their message to connect with voters. Of course, money plays a big part in all this. The more money a candidate has, the better chance his or her message is going to reach voters.

The candidate with the most money shouldn’t win, but it certainly increases the odds. It’s just an ugly nature of politics I’m afraid. Always has been and likely always will be. Money means a better ability to campaign from crucial television advertising to getting your name recognized by a voting mass which is slow to get interested.

I was all set this week to fire off some critical comments on the status of the 2010 primary election in our state but I fear no one really cares.

For example, I was going to write about a certain candidate running to replace John Linder who is appealing to the lowest common denominator with the placement of certain billboards bringing the President into the race. No doubt this tactic will earn the candidate some votes but what does it prove other than political tactics of the South from the 1950s and 1960s still work? Let’s also clear something up regarding the “Obama is a Socialist/Communist” movement.

Obama is no more either of this than George W. Bush was a Nazi. Political extremism, on either side, gets you nowhere and only makes you out to be a complete fool. I was going to write about it, but I fear no one really cares.

I was going to write about how lackluster the response has been to the gubernatorial primary this year, despite the fact we are wrapping up two terms of the least effective governor in our state’s history. Could this be partially the fault of the candidates running this year? Could be. However, with the economic future of our state in the balance I would think people would care, but I fear no one really does.

I was going to write about the need for voters to finally start looking beyond party labels when picking candidates. This loyalty to one of the two monsters in politics has gotten us nowhere. When candidates try to run without a party label in our state they are met by the strictest ballot access laws in the country. Open and free elections don’t seem to be on tap for our state. I was going to write about it, but I fear no one really cares.

I was going to write about how illegal immigration is being used by many in this election as a way to whip up hatred and fear in Georgians. I was going to talk about how America used to be the land where we welcome immigrants who wanted to make a better life for themselves. The Statue of Liberty might as well be taken down these days. For many the new motto of this country is “I’m already here, I don’t care about you, your family or the fact you want to make a better life for yourself. Don’t even think about coming here.” I was going to write about it, but I fear no one really cares.

I was going to write something about a certain Republican candidate (Karen Handel) in the primary race for Governor refusing to take part in debates and forums when another candidate (Ray McBerry) was included. This shows me that Handel could not deal with the issues McBerry was presenting. Her reasoning of she didn’t like some accusations that were levied against McBerry is weak and quite frankly showed how ineffective of a governor she would be. I was going to write about it, but I fear no one really cares.

I was going write something to encourage everyone to take part in the election Tuesday (for those who haven’t voted early). I was going to write about how important it is for our state’s future and how nothing is more American than doing so. I was going to write about it, but I fear no one really cares.

Chris Bridges is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers. You can reach him at chris@mainstreetnews.com.

Thank You Chris you are exactly right on all counts, and I hope that the voters are in agreement that we can't keep voting on Politics as Usual Candidates, as this is a most crucial year to be sure and get the right man for the job into office. I for one am 100% Ray McBerry. Most politicians have been so busy supporting big government, they have forgotten about the people back home. Thanks Again

I agree to all Chris. It is shameful to know that our state voters do not care enough to find out what is really going on here. Karen Handel is not the right person for the job, clearly with the shifting of her Secretary of State responsibilities to an Administrative Law Judge instead of makeing the decision on her own with the authority of her post in the Bibb-Monroe County Line Dispute, she cannot make the tough decisions that the Office of Govenor would require.

Chris your column was right on target. As one who has always voted I have never been more disappointed and ashamed of the actions of most of the people running. I've listened to the debates of both parties and haven't been impressed by anyone. Listening to some I am ashamed for Georgia. No wonder most people don't bother voting what with lying, smear tactics against each other and blaming one group for all our problems.

Chris, thanks for your column and the wisdom you put into it. I for one think there are some good candidates and I hope they win. Let's take a reasoned citizen approach and choose the best woman or man for the job. I believe experience may give an elected offical a head start when they get on the job. They are not all bad. Most of all, lets all get out and vote.

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